Local performing artists are invited to apply for the annual artist-in-residence scheme, to conduct activities at selected Leisure & Cultural Services Department civic centres.

The department aims to develop Hong Kong's arts through collaboration with local arts organisations and artists. By establishing their presence at a civic centre over a period, local artists can better understand local audiences' tastes, develop communication skills and raise public interest in arts through artistic exchange, creative work and experimentation.

The scheme also helps project civic centres as the community's cultural focus and encourages people to participate in arts activities. It will also enable residents to come into contact with performing artists outside their stage performances, developing their understanding, interest in and appreciation of the arts.

Local registered non-profit-making performing art organisations or ensembles of artists active in Hong Kong with three years of performance experience are invited to apply. They should have experience in promoting a specific art form, with proven artistic merit and good organisation ability.

Many art forms included

The proposed activity should cover one or more of the performing art forms, including:

* opera/operatic singing;

* dance;

* music;

* theatrical arts, including drama, mime and puppetry; and

* film/videography/multi-media art.

Activities can include performances, open rehearsals, workshops, demonstrations, lectures and exhibitions.

Guides and application forms are available at the following cultural venues: Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Tuen Mun Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Yuen Long Theatre, Sha Tin Town Hall, Tai Po Civic Centre, Ko Shan Theatre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre and Sheung Wan Civic Centre.

Interested artists may obtain the information by mail or fax from the Audience Building Office of Cultural Presentations Section, Leisure & Cultural Services Department at the Podium, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. It can also  be downloaded from the website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp

Deadline: November 19

Completed application forms should be submitted with supporting information and documents relevant to the proposed activity to the above office before 5.30pm on Friday, November 19. Please specify "Application for Artist-in-residence Scheme 2005/06" on the envelope.